Maharashtra may witness third wave: State Health Minister
Still reeling under a deadly second wave of COVID-19, Maharashtra may witness a third wave of the infection in July-August, said Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday.
The grim prediction by Tope came on a day when Maharashtra, the state worst-hit by the pandemic in the country, recorded 66,159 fresh coronavirus cases and 771 fatalities.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, he said, As per epidemiologists, Maharashtra could witness a third wave of COVID-19 in July or August.
“Maharashtra is trying to be self-sufficient in terms of availability of medical oxygen by then.
It has been said the state could reach to the plateau level of COVID-19 cases by the end of May. If it is hit by a third wave in July or August, it would increase the challenges before the state administration, he said.
He was speaking after taking part in a review meeting with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray where various aspects of COVID-19 management and vaccination were discussed.
District collectors and divisional commissioners also took part in the virtual meeting.